Six Degrees are delighted to be recruiting for a highly established leader in their industry through a period of growth. You will be a commercial operator who can drive efficiencies and operational excellence. Our client are open to candidates from outside of the sector, as long as there is a demonstrable link to the role.
Location: North Cumbria - Onsite
Reports to: Managing Director / Operations Director
Direct Reports: Site Supervisors, Team Leaders, Operatives, Transport staff
Purpose of the Role
The Operations Manager will be responsible for leading and managing the day-to-day operations across the company’s activities. The role ensures that operational performance, compliance, safety, and customer service standards are consistently achieved and improved. The Operations Manager will play a key role in supporting strategic growth, maintaining compliance, driving efficiency, and delivering against contractual and commercial targets.
Key ResponsibilitiesOperational Leadership
* Lead the daily operation alongside transport functions to deliver safe, efficient, and compliant services.
* • Oversee site performance, ensuring consistent achievement of KPIs relating to throughput, quality, and service delivery.
* • Ensure robust scheduling of staff, equipment, and vehicles to maintain continuity of service.
* • Identify and deliver operational improvements to increase efficiency, reduce downtime, and enhance profitability.
Health, Safety & Compliance
* Act as the operational lead for Health & Safety, ensuring adherence to company policies, statutory requirements, and best practice.
* • Ensure full compliance with licenses, and industry legislation.
* • Build a strong safety-first culture across all operational teams through training, monitoring, and accountability.
People Management
* Provide leadership, motivation, and clear direction to all operational staff.
* • Manage staffing levels, deployment, and succession planning to meet operational demands.
* • Support development and training for site supervisors and staff, identifying skills gaps and promoting career growth.
* • Maintain strong employee engagement, promoting a culture of accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement.
Commercial & Contract Management
* Ensure contracts and service level agreements are delivered to specification, on time, and within budget.
* • Monitor financial performance, managing budgets, cost controls, and delivering P&L responsibility for operational areas.
* • Work closely with local authorities, regulators, and key customers to maintain strong working relationships and resolve issues effectively.
* • Contribute to tenders, new business opportunities, and service development where required.
Strategic Contribution
* Work with the Senior Leadership Team to develop and implement long and short-term operational strategies.
* • Support innovation in day-to-day practice, utilising technologies, and process improvement.
* • Drive sustainability and efficiency initiatives in line with the company’s growth and objectives.
Person Specification
Essential
* Significant experience in a senior operational role.
* • Ability to adapt and learn current legislation, and compliance requirements.
* • Demonstrated ability to manage multi-site operations, contracts, and P&L responsibility.
* • Proven track record of delivering operational performance against KPIs and budgets.
* • Excellent leadership and people management skills with the ability to inspire and motivate teams.
* • IOSH or equivalent Health & Safety qualification (NEBOSH desirable).
* • Strong communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skills with internal and external stakeholders.
* • Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, changing environment and deliver under pressure.
Desirable
* Experience of managing large-scale local authority and commercial contracts.
* • Commercial acumen with experience contributing to business growth and contract development.
* • Experience of implementing new technologies, systems, or processes.
Package
* Highly Competitive salary (Circa 6 Figures dependent on experience)
* • Company vehicle / allowance
* • Pension & benefits package
* • Opportunities for professional development and progression
* Hours of work are 8am -5pm